Doctoral researcher in Microfluidics & LCE physics University of Luxembourg in Luxembourg

The University of Luxembourg is recruiting a Doctoral researcher in Microfluidics & LCE physics within the ERC SyG project ALCEMIST, coordinated by Prof. Jan Lagerwall and carried out in collaboration with Prof. Maria Helena Godinho (NOVA University Lisbon) and Prof. Eugene Terentjev (University of Cambridge).

This PhD project sits at the intersection of soft matter physics, microfluidics, polymer chemistry, and materials engineering. The doctoral researcher will develop microfluidic triple-phase flows using a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) precursor as the middle phase, producing either continuous microtubes or shell structures with internal droplets, then photopolymerizing them into LCE actuators. The research will further explore actuation by heating or UV light and investigate the resulting structures as micropumps for supporting nutrient injection and waste disposal in organoid growth.

The position is especially suited to candidates interested in experimental research on liquid crystals, elastomers, fluid mechanics, and interdisciplinary device design. The project also includes an engineering dimension: for the shell-based actuator, additional components may need to be designed and built, for example through 3D printing, CAD, CNC machining, laser cutting, or related prototyping methods.

The University of Luxembourg emphasizes an international, multilingual, and inclusive research environment, with strong infrastructure, expert support, and collaboration across physics, chemistry, engineering, and biotechnology. The successful candidate will join a team of PhD researchers, postdocs, senior scientists, and professors working on a challenging but well-supported project.

Eligibility and preferred profile: an M.Sc. in Physics is ideal, while Materials Science, Chemistry, or Engineering may also be suitable. Strong English (C1) is required. The university particularly values curiosity, openness, and the ability to work honestly across disciplinary boundaries. Desirable experience includes coursework or research in soft matter physics, chemistry, liquid crystals, elastomers, microfluidics, continuum/fluid mechanics, COMSOL modeling, interdisciplinary projects, and hardware prototyping with tools such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi.

Funding: the appointment is a full-time fixed-term doctoral contract for 36 months, with a yearly gross salary of EUR 44,531.

How to apply: applications must be submitted online through the HR system. Candidates should provide a CV, cover letter, transcript of university courses/results, and a 1-page essay responding to one of the proposed research/design questions. Applications by email will not be considered, and early submission is encouraged because applications are processed upon receipt.